Since the time of Ancient Egypt, people have used baking soda's health benefits, and today we are aware of more than 300 practical applications for it. In our homes, we all use baking soda, but do you only use it when you cook?
Here are 15 very useful ways to use baking soda:
1. Natural deodorant
Baking soda is a natural deodorant. While popular deodorants today contain aluminum that stops the sweat glads in the armpit from sweating, studies have shown that the aluminum in deodorants can cause cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Make a healthy switch from aluminum deodorants and try one that uses baking soda.
2. Heartburn
Baking soda relieves heartburn. If you drink a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in 8 ounces of water, it can neutralize stomach acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn caused by acid reflux.
3. Mosquito bites
Another
simple remedy for mosquito bites is to make a thick paste of baking
soda and water. Then apply this paste generously to the affected area.
You should feel the swelling and itching subside shortly afterwards.
4. Scrub
Baking soda can improve wrinkles, blackheads and tarnished skin. Add a tablespoon of baking soda to your usual facial cleanser and form a paste. Massage into your skin in circular motions to help exfoliate and leave skin feeling soft.
5. Hair growth
Baking soda can increase hair growth, and usually is mixed with vinegar to do so. Mix baking soda 1 part with 3 parts of water. Apply this mixture to your hair and take 1 – 3 minutes and rinse it well with warm water.
6. Stretch marks
Baking
soda is a natural exfoliant and it removes the dead skin cells so that
your stretch marks will be removed easily. Take a washcloth and squeeze a
little amount body wash on it. Add a teaspoon of baking soda to it.
Fold the cloth and rub it with your hands to mix the baking soda with
body wash. Then scrub and enjoy younger looking skin.
7. Bad breath
Baking soda can rebalance the levels of acid and help to treat and prevent halitosis. Dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water to make an effective mouth rinse to beat bad breath.
8. Rough skin
Baking soda is alkaline in nature which helps soften the sebum and debris on the face. It also clears and opens up pores and absorbs excess oil which aids in preventing the clogging of pores. Note: some disagree with using it as a facial cleanser as the pH levels and effect on skin appearance and health is debatable.
9. Stains
Baking soda can remove stains; Mix 4 tbsp. of baking soda with 1/4 cup of water to make a general stain remover.
10. Refrigerator Smells
Baking soda can absorb odors due to its alkaline nature and that can neutralize acidic odors
11. Jewelry Cleaner
To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup baking soda and 2 tablespoons water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse, and buff dry.
12. Abscesses
Baking soda is useful as an abscess treatment and helps to clean it plus acts as an antibacterial agent.
13. Sunburn
Fill up your tub with water that’s cool to the touch, and as it’s filling, add one cup of baking soda. Relax in the tub for a while, and your skin should start to feel better as baking soda creates a ‘cooling’ sensation.
14. Peas and beans softener
Baking soda can help get peas and beans ready for cooking quickly.
15. White teeth
Baking soda effectively removes surface stains from your teeth and make them appear whiter; this is why many toothpastes include baking soda.